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Here, we present detailed processing protocols for imaging delicate tissue samples using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three different processing methods, namely, hexamethyl disilazana (HMDS) chemical drying, simple air drying, and critical point drying are described for preparing rigid eggshells, embryos at early developmental stages, and fungal cultures respectively.
Although scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is being widely used for the ultra-structural analysis of various biological and non-biological samples, methods involved in processing different biological samples involve unique practices. All conventional practices described in the literature for processing samples still find useful applications, but subtle changes in the sample preparation can alter image quality, as well as, introduce artifacts. Hence, using a unique sample preparation technique specific to the type of tissue analyzed is required to obtain a good quality image with ultrastructural resolution. The focus of this study is to provide the optimal sample preparation protocols for imaging embryos, rigid eggshells, and fungal cultures using SEM. The following optimizations were recommended to yield good results for the three different delicate biological samples studied. Use of milder fixatives like 4% paraformaldehyde or 3% glutaraldehyde followed by dehydration with ethanol series is mandatory. Fungal mycelium on agar blocks obtained by slide cultures yields a better ultrastructural integrity compared to cultures taken directly from agar plates. Chemical drying of embryos with HMDS provides drying without introducing surface tension artifacts compared to critical point drying. HMDS prevents cracking caused by shrinkage as samples are less brittle during drying. However, for fungal culture, critical point drying provides acceptable image quality compared to chemical drying. Eggshells can be imaged with no special preparation steps except for thorough washing and air drying prior to mounting. Preparation methodologies were standardized based on acceptable image quality obtained with each trial.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) ultrastructural analysis and intracellular imaging supplement light microscopy for three-dimensional profiling of prokaryotes, plants, and animals. The high spatial resolution of an SEM makes it one of the most versatile and powerful techniques available for the examination of microstructural characteristics of specimens at the nanometer to micrometer scale. Desiccated specimens are resolved to compositional and topographical structures with intense detail, which provides the foundation for developing valid conclusions about functional relationships1,2,
NOTE: Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) eggs used in this study were collected during the nesting season of May through June 2015-16 from Rice Creek Field Station, Oswego New York with permission obtained from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
1. Chemical drying method to process embryos for SEM
Figure 1 show scanning electron micrographic analysis of painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) embryos. Painted turtle eggs collected and incubated on a bedding medium, mounted on aluminum stubs following chemical drying were used for SEM imaging (Figure 1A-E). A lateral view of a stage 12 embryo shows the craniofacial structures; maxillary prominence extends beyond the mandibular and limits a well-marked nasal pit medially; five pharyngeal .......
In our study, different fixation agents, dehydration and drying methods were tested to prepare three different delicate biological samples for SEM imaging: embryos, eggshells, and fungal cultures. SEM is commonly used for surface analysis, so fixative penetration is less concerning, but it must be understood that poorly fixed internal structures will cause inward shrinking or/and collapsed surface structures. Extended fixation time should also be considered for larger tissue samples, replacing the fixative solution a few.......
The authors would like to thank Dr. Daniel Baldassarre, SUNY Oswego for helpful discussions and comments on the manuscript. This study was supported by Rice Creek Associate Grants, Oswego; Challenge Grants SUNY Oswego and National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Grants to PGL and JG.
....Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
Agar | Fischer Scientific | S25127A | for slide cultures |
Aluminum pin stub | Tedpella | 16111 | 12.7 mm x 8 mm |
BD Difco Dehydrated Culture Media: Potato Dextrose Agar | BD 213400 | DF0013-17-6 | Media for isolation and cultivation of Fungi, yeast and molds |
Chloramphenicol | Fischer BioReagents | BP904-100 | Antibiotic for media |
Coarse Vermiculite | Greenhouse Megastore | SO-VER-12 | bedding medium |
Clear 12- well plate | Corning | 07-201-589 | for fixing embryo |
Coverslips | Fischer Scientific | S17525B | for slide culture |
Critical Point Dryer | Quorum CPD | EMS850 | critical point drying |
Culture dishes | Fischer Scientific | 08 747B | DISH PETRI 100X10MM 12/PK |
Ethanol | Fischer Scientific | A406P 4 | dehydration agent |
Forceps- Aquarius Tweezers | Tedpella | 5804 | style 4, length 108mm, widh x thickness 0.017 x 0.17 mm |
Glutaraldehyde | Fischer Scientific | G151-1 | fixative |
Gold target for sputter coater | DENTON VACUUM | TAR001-0158 | Gold Target, 2.375″ D X .002″ |
Hexamethyldisilazana | Fischer Scientific | C19479-5000 | chemical drying agent |
Kim wipes | Kimtech | S-8115 | cleaning |
Microscope slides | Thermo Scientific | 67-762-16 | for slide culture |
Microscopy Scissors | Tedpella | 1327 | Double pointed, stainless steel, 100 mm L (3-5/8"). |
Micro-scissors | Tedpella | 1346 | Vannas-type, straight, 80mm L |
Moria Perforated Embryo Spoon | Fine Science Tools | 10370-17 | Length 14.5 cm, tip diameter 20 mm, spoon depth 5 mm |
Netwell Inserts | Corning | 0330B09 | 15 mm Inserts with 74 µm Mesh Size Polyester Membrane act as handy carriers during specimen processing into different solvents |
Paraformaldehyde | Fischer Scientific | T353 500 | fixative |
Peat moss | Walmart- Miracle Gro | 551705263 | bedding medium |
PELCO tabs double stick carbon conductive tape | Tedpella | 5000 | 12 mm OD |
Sputter coater | DENTON VACUUM | DESK V | thin metal coating |
SEM | JEOL USA | JEOL JSM 6610LV scanning electron scope | electron microscopy |
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